Introduction
For many people, the media is not only a way to unwind and be entertained, but also a means to process personal relationships and even trauma. In the TV show Chicago Fire, the characters, including firefighters, paramedics, and rescue professionals, face severe professional and personal challenges. The cast portrays life with its abundance of nonverbal messages and various types of listening. Furthermore, it shows how love and friendships impact people in meaningful ways.
The paper discusses nonverbal messages, listening, types of love and friendship, and how each plays an integral role in human communication. By observing the behavior and communication of such individuals, viewers can put their own struggles into perspective and evaluate their own behavioral patterns.
Communication in Media and Real Life
Nonverbal Messages
“Deathtrap” is the 15th episode of season 5 of the Chicago Fire TV show. It depicts the crew of the fictional Firehouse 51 as they confront a severe fire that transforms a factory building into a deadly trap. Additionally, several subplots enhance the episode. In one of these subplots, it turns out that the daughter of a plot-important character, Olinsky, is trapped inside the factory. While he pleads with the firefighters to return to the building, various nonverbal communication types are displayed.
The first one is tough when the father places his hand on the chief’s shoulder. This gesture underscores the familiar relationship between Olinsky and the chief, making the need to help him personal and heightening the scene’s tension. Furthermore, it depicts Olinsky in a vulnerable position, as his daughter is in danger, highlighting his love for her. The next type of nonverbal message here is the gesture, as the firefighters exchange glances in response to Olinsky’s plea. This exchange further underscores the danger of re-entering the building and highlights the firefighters’ strong interpersonal connection.
Types of Listening
At the beginning of the episode, two characters discuss whether a nurse position is available at the department. Maggie, when asked about the position, opts to use a type of listening response called a question to encourage elaboration. She asks who this position is for, which shows a sense of familiarity between the two. The response was appropriate, since the characters are on good terms and this particular situation warrants friendly curiosity.
Another instance of a listening response is when investigators question the factory owner. He relays the factory’s history, claiming he wanted to help people who could not afford rent in Chicago. One of the investigators harshly states that it was not a good idea and that the owner should have taken precautionary measures. This response was inappropriate, and it did not help the situation, creating a hostile conversation environment. The appropriate course of action in this case would have been to politely question the reasons for the lack of precaution.
Types of Love
The episode provides a subplot in the form of a love story between two victims of the fire. Having met during a party in the building, the two young people met the criteria for a type of love known as infatuation. Infatuation is a type of romantic love that strictly involves passion, while other types of love have other specific qualities (Adler et al. 347).
The man and woman in question did not have much time to get to know each other before the fire started; however, the man developed a strong passion for her. His story encouraged the rescue team to look for her among the victims based on her name alone to have them reunited. This feeling cannot be considered love at any other time, as it would require either intimacy or commitment. Intimacy is created only with time, which the characters did not have. In addition, commitment implies a strong attachment and responsibility toward the other person, qualities that were absent in their relationship.
Personal Application of Nonverbal Messages
One example of the type of nonverbal message I have used effectively in my life is the time when my friend and I were stuck on a roadside at night. We were on a lengthy trip and were very tired when the car suddenly broke down. I could not help but feel a little panicked. My friend called the repair services, but I was still feeling uneasy being on the side of the road in the dark. The prospect of spending the night there was not thrilling in any capacity, and I was beginning to feel defeated.
Seeing my distress, my friend smiled and winked at me while continuing to talk on the phone. He used nonverbal body movement to convey that the situation was delicate. Body movement is defined as physical activity involving the body, including facial expressions (Adler et al., 238). Immediately after receiving this nonverbal message, I felt it was nothing more than a temporary issue that should not be taken seriously.
Personal Application of Types of Friendship
The type of friendship that is prominent in my life is a long-term, maintenance-oriented friendship characterized by high levels of disclosure and frequent contact. I don’t have a great many friends; however, I prioritize being close to them and spending quality time together. One friendship in particular fits the description perfectly, as I have known this person since I was a child. Initially, it began as a task-oriented friendship, but soon we realized that we shared many commonalities.
We share the same tastes in cuisine, movies, and music, but we are also not afraid to disagree with each other. Our conversations are usually lengthy discussions about our lives and plans, and my friend makes me feel like I can share many private details. The same goes for him: he can share all his secrets with me without hesitation or second thoughts. Additionally, we stay in touch as often as possible, whether in person, by phone, or through messaging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the portrayal of human emotions in the episode of the TV show Chicago Fire, titled “Deathtrap,” provides viewers with numerous opportunities to connect with the characters on an emotional level. The episode contains many instances of nonverbal communication and depicts a love relationship that helps the audience see the victims and the rescue team as distinctly human.
Additionally, I examined my personal experiences with nonverbal communication and friendships throughout my life. Having experienced communication and relationships similar to those of the characters, I understand that there is a deep connection between media and reality. This connection enables people to view their lives through different lenses.
Work Cited
Adler, Ronald B., et al. Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication. 15th ed., Oxford University Press, 2021.